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Hey guys, I've been wanting to test out the velocity and accuracy differences with the LEE FCD and I've finally had the chance to test it out. What I did was I loaded up 30 rounds of the Sierra 90 Gr. HP with 32.5 Gr. of X-Terminator powder with no cannelure and no Crimp. I then loaded up 30 more rounds with no cannelures but a 1/2 turn crimp, and I loaded up 30 more rounds with cannelures and a 1/2 turn crimp.
Here are some details before I begin:
Sierra 90 Gr. HP:
Bullet: .277 Sierra 90 Gr. HP.
Brass: SSA.
Primer: CCI #41.
OAL: 2.260".
Gun: Ko-Tonics 20" Chrome Lined 1:11" twist.
Optic: Swarovski Z6i 1x6 scope set on 6x.
Target Range: 2 10 round shot goups @ 100 yards.
Chrony Distance: (@5')
Temp: 50.
1. No Cannelures and No Crimp:
Shot Group #1: .995"
Shot Group #2: 1.062"
Shot Group Average: 1.0285"
Velocity: 32.5 Gr. of X-Terminator: Avg: 2878fps, Lo: 2861fps, Hi: 2904fps, ES: 43, SD: 14
Picture of Shot Group:
2. 1/2 turn Crimp and No Cannelures:
Shot Group #1: .827"
Shot Group #2: .968"
Shot Group Average: .8975"
Velocity: 32.5 Gr. of X-Terminator: Avg: 2887fps, Lo: 2861fps, Hi: 2904fps, ES: 43, SD: 12
Picture of Shot Group:
3. 1/2 turn Crimp and Cannelures:
Shot Group #1: 1.185"
Shot Group #2: 1.209"
Shot Group Average: 1.197"
Velocity: 32.5 Gr. of X-Terminator: Avg: 2888fps, Lo: 2873fps, Hi: 2898fps, ES: 25, SD: 10
Picture of Shot Group:
Velocity Differences:
As far as velocity goes, I got a velocity of 2887fps and 2888fps with the crimped bullets and a velocity of 2878fps without a crimp. I used 10 round shots to test the velocity. From the results I got an increase in 10fps so I guess there is some truth that using the LEE FCD will give you an increase in velocity, although very minimal.
Accuracy Differences:
From the results I got, there was very little difference in the bullets with a crimp and the bullets with no crimp, which is a good thing and shows that the Crimp did not reduce accuracy, and it actually was a hair bit better. Now, the bullets wiith the cannelures and a 1/2 turn crimp were not as accurate, but I don't know if that was because I was getting tired since I did shoot approximately 100 rounds prior to starting the testing. I will go back on Tuesday and try some more accuracy testing to see if there is a difference with cannelures and no cannelures.
Conclusion:
I'm very happy that the LEE FCD did not hurt the accuracy in any way and the extra 10fps is just a little bonus.
On a side note: I was very happy that I was able to get sub MOA 10 round shot groups at 100 yards with a chrome lined barrel and a 6x scope, especially since I used X-Terminator Powder, which is the cheapest powder available for the 6.8SPC. It even beat the Reloaders 7 in the accuracy department today.
To be Continued...
Here are some details before I begin:
Sierra 90 Gr. HP:
Bullet: .277 Sierra 90 Gr. HP.
Brass: SSA.
Primer: CCI #41.
OAL: 2.260".
Gun: Ko-Tonics 20" Chrome Lined 1:11" twist.
Optic: Swarovski Z6i 1x6 scope set on 6x.
Target Range: 2 10 round shot goups @ 100 yards.
Chrony Distance: (@5')
Temp: 50.
1. No Cannelures and No Crimp:
Shot Group #1: .995"
Shot Group #2: 1.062"
Shot Group Average: 1.0285"
Velocity: 32.5 Gr. of X-Terminator: Avg: 2878fps, Lo: 2861fps, Hi: 2904fps, ES: 43, SD: 14
Picture of Shot Group:

2. 1/2 turn Crimp and No Cannelures:
Shot Group #1: .827"
Shot Group #2: .968"
Shot Group Average: .8975"
Velocity: 32.5 Gr. of X-Terminator: Avg: 2887fps, Lo: 2861fps, Hi: 2904fps, ES: 43, SD: 12
Picture of Shot Group:

3. 1/2 turn Crimp and Cannelures:
Shot Group #1: 1.185"
Shot Group #2: 1.209"
Shot Group Average: 1.197"
Velocity: 32.5 Gr. of X-Terminator: Avg: 2888fps, Lo: 2873fps, Hi: 2898fps, ES: 25, SD: 10
Picture of Shot Group:

Velocity Differences:
As far as velocity goes, I got a velocity of 2887fps and 2888fps with the crimped bullets and a velocity of 2878fps without a crimp. I used 10 round shots to test the velocity. From the results I got an increase in 10fps so I guess there is some truth that using the LEE FCD will give you an increase in velocity, although very minimal.
Accuracy Differences:
From the results I got, there was very little difference in the bullets with a crimp and the bullets with no crimp, which is a good thing and shows that the Crimp did not reduce accuracy, and it actually was a hair bit better. Now, the bullets wiith the cannelures and a 1/2 turn crimp were not as accurate, but I don't know if that was because I was getting tired since I did shoot approximately 100 rounds prior to starting the testing. I will go back on Tuesday and try some more accuracy testing to see if there is a difference with cannelures and no cannelures.
Conclusion:
I'm very happy that the LEE FCD did not hurt the accuracy in any way and the extra 10fps is just a little bonus.
On a side note: I was very happy that I was able to get sub MOA 10 round shot groups at 100 yards with a chrome lined barrel and a 6x scope, especially since I used X-Terminator Powder, which is the cheapest powder available for the 6.8SPC. It even beat the Reloaders 7 in the accuracy department today.
To be Continued...